Thermal Mass Air Circulation for Passive Building Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature regulation systems for buildings fail to optimally harness solar and geothermal energy across different seasons, often relying on supplemental energy sources for heating and cooling.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing thermal masses and natural air flow to distribute thermal energy captured from solar and geothermal sources through a cyclical air flow system, facilitated by building design and features, allowing for passive temperature regulation without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supplemental energy sources (fans, pumps) are used for temperature regulation, then temperature control reliability is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal mass system performs temperature regulation autonomously through natural convection currents. The building structure itself (floor, walls, foundation) serves as the thermal regulation mechanism, eliminating the need for external fans, pumps, or powered ventilation systems. The system self-regulates by absorbing excess heat during the day and releasing it when temperatures drop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical temperature regulation systems (fans, pumps, powered HVAC) with a passive thermal system based on natural convection and thermal mass properties. The mechanical movement of air is replaced by natural buoyancy-driven convection currents that circulate air through the building without external power.
2Temperature
If traditional HVAC systems are used, then temperature regulation effectiveness is improved, but ecological impact and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes free renewable energy sources (solar radiation, geothermal energy from the ground) to drive temperature regulation. The building's thermal mass and natural convection currents provide autonomous climate control without consuming grid electricity or producing greenhouse gas emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from active mechanical HVAC systems to passive thermal processes. The system operates based on natural temperature differentials, convection currents, and thermal mass properties rather than powered mechanical compression and expansion cycles.
3Loss of energy
If thermal mass is used for heat storage, then energy efficiency is improved, but building complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the building structure itself (floor, walls, foundation) serve dual functions: both structural support and thermal mass for heat storage and temperature regulation. This eliminates the need for separate thermal mass components or specialized thermal regulation equipment, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural elements of the building are merged with the thermal regulation system. The floor, walls, and foundation simultaneously provide structural integrity and thermal mass functionality, integrating multiple systems into a unified passive thermal regulation approach.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient, eco-friendly temperature regulation, maintaining a stable building temperature across seasons by leveraging renewable energy sources and natural air flow, reducing reliance on supplemental energy.
Implementation Method 1
a solarium collects and stores radiant energy from the sun
Implementation Method 2
a thermal mass, or energy sink or storage structure, is exposed to sunlight and absorbs and holds heat
Implementation Method 3
conduction draws cold from the ground through the floor or footprint of the building
Implementation Method 4
The thermal energy is thus distributed through the building by a cyclical air flow
Implementation Method 5
enabling an air flow across and/or adjacent to the at least one thermal mass using the distribution vents and building shape
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for regulating the temperature of a building interior, the building including at least one thermal mass for receiving and holding heat, distribution vents and an air return, the method including receiving and holding heat in the at least one thermal mass, enabling an air flow from the at least one thermal mass using the distribution vents, and returning the air flow to the at least one thermal mass via the air return, wherein the air flow tends to maintain a generally constant temperature in the building.